Word
resent
Phoneticsre·sent
/ɹiˈzɛnt/
Definition
v. to feel angry or bitter about something because you think it is unfair.
v. to experience a persistent feeling of ill will or indignation resulting from a perceived grievance or injustice.
Examples
“He resents his boss for giving him extra work.”
“Many employees began to resent the new management after their flexible working hours were suddenly cancelled.”
“She deeply resents being passed over for the promotion, especially since she has more experience than the candidate who was eventually selected for the role.”
Examples
simple
“He resents his boss for giving him extra work.”
contextual
“Many employees began to resent the new management after their flexible working hours were suddenly cancelled.”
complex
“She deeply resents being passed over for the promotion, especially since she has more experience than the candidate who was eventually selected for the role.”
Usage
This verb is transitive and is often followed by a noun or a gerund (an -ing form).
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse this with 'hate'; explain that resentment specifically involves a sense of unfairness or being overlooked.
Etymology
From Middle French ressentir, resentir, from Old French resentir (Modern ressentir), from re- + sentir (“to feel”).
See resend.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/resent